Distinct variety of Streptocarpus named Lady

ABSTRACT

A new variety of Streptocarpus plant is characterized by its pink flower having a light rose throating and its compact habit.

BACKGROUND OF THE NEW PLANT

The present invention comprises a new and distinct cultivar ofStreptocarpus × hybridus known by the varietal name Lady. The newcultivar is a mutation achieved through irradiation of Marna, formerlynamed Neptune Blue (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 4,524).

The new cultivar is most similar to Marna. However, Lady is morecompact, having smaller foliage and more leaves. In addition, theoverall color of Lady is different from Marna with Lady being pink andhaving a light yellow throating, which is discernible from a distance.

The new cultivar was discovered in 1979 in Vaihingen, Federal Republicof Germany; was first asexually reproduced by cuttings in Vaihingen,Federal Republic of Germany; and has been asexually reproduced bycuttings at Oglevee Floral Company in Connellsville, Pa. It has beenfound to retain its distinctive characteristics through successivepropagations.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The accompanying drawing illustrates the new cultivar.

DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW PLANT

The following detailed description sets forth the characteristics of thenew cultivar. The data which defines these characteristics werecollected from asexual reproductions carried out by Gerhard Fleischle atVaihingen, Federal Republic of Germany. Color references are primarilyto the R.H.S. color chart of the Royal Horticultural Society of Londonunless otherwise referenced.

The color references were collected from asexual reproductions carriedout by Oglevee Floral Company in Connellsville, Pa.

Botanical classification: Gesneriaceae (Family); Streptocarpus ×hybridus (Genus × Species).

Flower:

Fully expanded.--Five centimeters.

Borne.--In clusters of one to six flowers per flower stalk above thefoliage. Flower stalks arise from mid-rib of each leaf.

Stems.--Single, long and pubescent.

Form.--Funnel formed in an umbel.

Color:

Front of petal.--Fan 2 Red Purple Group 65-C.

Throat.--Fan 1 Yellow Group 4-C with sparse striping, Fan 2 Red PurpleGroup 66-B.

Base of petal.--Fan 2 Red Purple Group 65-C.

Reverse of petal.--Fan 2 Red Purple Group 65-C.

Tonality from a distance.--Exotica 37 Rose Pink.

Discoloration.--Insignificant.

Petals:

Texture.--Velvet.

Appearance.--Individually lobed and smooth margin.

Arrangement.--Regularly united into an elliptical form.

Fragrance.--None.

Reproductive organs:

Anthers.--Two per flower and interconnected.

Pollen.--Generally nonfertile.

Plant:

Form.--Leaves rosulete from a crown at the soil line.

Growth.--A spreading, free flowing habit with leaf bases being acute.

Height from soil line.--12 to 18 centimeters.

Spread.--30 to 35 centimeters.

Foliage:

Size.--Approximately 17 centimeters in length and 3 to 8 centimeters inwidth at the widest point.

Shape.--Oblanceolete.

Topside.--Fan 3 Green Group 137-B.

Underside.--Fan 3 Green Group 142-C.

Quantity.--10 to 18 leaves.

Underside.--Fan 4 Gray Green Group.

Ribs and veins.--Pinnate.

Rib and vein color.--Fan 3 Green Group 139-D.

Margin.--Crenate serrations.

Stipules.--None.

I claim:
 1. A new and distinct variety of Streptocarpus substantially asherein shown and described.